How to Use Tirzepatide

How to Use — Step-by-Step (Subcutaneous, Once Weekly)

Preparation

• Wash Your Hands – Soap and water.

• Gather Supplies – Vial/prefilled syringe, alcohol swabs, insulin syringe or pen needle (per label), sharps container.

• Pick a Weekly Slot – Same day/time each week (e.g., Sunday evenings).

Site Prep

• Choose Site – Abdomen (avoid 2” around navel), thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites weekly.

• Clean Skin – Wipe with alcohol; let air-dry.

Measure / Prepare Dose

• Inspect – Solution clear, particle-free.

• Measure – Draw 0.75 ml with a sterile insulin syringe (or use labeled pen).

• De-air – Tap syringe; expel bubbles.

Inject

• Pinch Skin – Small fold.

• Insert – ~45–90° into subcutaneous tissue.

• Inject Slowly – Depress plunger; count to 5; withdraw.

• Press – Light pressure; do not rub.

After

• Dispose Safely – Sharps container.

• Consistency – Repeat once weekly on your chosen day.

Missed Dose (general guidance; follow your label):

• If ≤4 days (≤96 hours) late, take the dose and resume weekly schedule.

• If >4 days late, skip and take the next dose on your regular day. Do not double.

Possible Side Effects

Possible Side Effects

Common (often improve over time/titration)

• GI: Nausea, fullness/early satiety, decreased appetite, reflux/heartburn, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal discomfort.

• General: Headache, fatigue, injection-site redness/itching.

Less Common / Monitor

• Dehydration from vomiting/diarrhea → dizziness, dark urine.

• Gallbladder issues: Right-upper abdominal pain, fever, pale stools.

• Blood sugar: Hypoglycemia risk rises when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas (shakiness, sweating, confusion).

Serious (stop & seek care; contact your clinician)

• Pancreatitis: Severe, persistent abdominal pain ± vomiting.

• Severe allergic reaction: Hives, facial swelling, wheeze.

• Kidney problems: Marked drop in urination with dehydration.

• Vision changes in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

• Thyroid C-cell tumor warning: Report neck mass, hoarseness, dysphagia, or persistent cough.

Not exhaustive. If effects are severe, persistent, or unusual, discontinue and contact your clinician promptly.

Additional Information

Additional Information

What is Tirzepatide?
A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist used under medical supervision for weight management and blood sugar control. It enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, reduces glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and increases satiety.

Why add Vitamin B12?
Co-formulated B12 is often included to support micronutrient status during reduced caloric intake and may help overall tolerability/energy within a supervised program.

Who should not use it?

• Pregnant/breastfeeding individuals or those planning pregnancy soon (discuss stop timing with clinician).

• Personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2.

• Prior serious hypersensitivity to tirzepatide.

• Use caution with history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe GI disease, advanced diabetic retinopathy, or renal impairment (esp. with dehydration).

Program Tips

• Pair with a structured nutrition plan, adequate protein, hydration, and resistance training.

• Clinicians commonly titrate strength stepwise (e.g., 2.5 → 5 → 7.5 → 10 → 12 → 15 mg) based on response and tolerability.

Shipping Information

Shipping & Cold Storage

• Refrigerate 2–8 °C (35–46 °F); do not freeze; protect from light.

• Keep in original packaging.

• For multi-dose vials/prefilled syringes, follow the pharmacy’s beyond-use date (BUD) after first puncture.

• Cold-chain shipping with ice packs. On arrival, refrigerate promptly and inspect for leaks or temperature breach.

Frequently Asked Questions